Chester County UT Extension holds inaugural wellness forum
CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — The month of May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental health issues and to help reduce the stigma many experience.
One organization is doing just that.
This is a program through Chester County UT Institute of Agriculture Family and Consumer Sciences Division.
Organizers say the goal is to educate the community through research-based curriculum, while also providing a holistic approach to improve overall health.
Chester County UT Extension held the first-ever Family and Consumer Sciences Community Wellness forum on Wednesday, May 22, in Henderson.
More than 50 members of the community attended the event that centered around holistic approaches to living well.
“The goal of this really is just for people to understand what wellness is at a basic foundational level. But, also for people to take something away and be able to integrate it into their daily life,” said Anna Nelson, UT Extension Family and Consumer Science agent.
Panelists sat before the community to discuss the different dimensions of wellness, including physical, spiritual, financial and emotional wellness.
“A healthy community is a thriving community and so I wanted to hear what the experts think about what it means to live well, so that I could apply that to my life and share it with my neighbors,” said Mark Cancia, director of school and community engagement for United Way.
Participants also hope to take away information and resources and see how that aligns with the work they do and how it may benefit those they work with.
“In order for us to pour into other people, and to be able to meet their needs, our needs also need to be met. I think that the whole idea of making sure we are in a healthy mindspace to be able to take care of others and to provide for those needs that they might have,” said Hanna Mead, regional supervisor for TN Baptist Children’s home.
This is also an opportunity to introduce additional UT Extension FCS programs to help others learn more about the importance of their overall well-being.
Additional FCS classes will take place next month, including a sewing class, cooking class and a class on food preservation and canning.
To learn more about programs and resources offered in your community, contact your local County Extension Office or contact your local FCS Extension Agent.
To find your County Extension Office, click here.
For more news in the Chester County area, click here.
